Hulu delves into docs for first original long-form series

The online TV service is premiering a six-part doc series in mid-August, helmed by Morgan Spurlock (pictured) and featuring entrepreneur Richard Branson, comedian Russell Peters and other assorted "fascinating people."

Somehow, the Super Size Me director is also finding the time to helm what will be online TV service Hulu’s first foray into long-form programming. A Day in the Life is a six-part documentary series created by Spurlock that will present, according to Hulu, “intimate, first-hand accounts of a complete day in the lives of fascinating people.”

The series premieres on Hulu and its companion premium service Hulu Plus on August 17. Its first episode features multimillionaire entrepreneur and jet-setter extraordinaire Richard Branson, with other guests in subsequent episodes including Will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas, DJ/musician Girl Talk, and comedian Russell Peters. The series will be produced by Spurlock and production partner Jeremy Chilnick through his prodco Warrior Poets.

“As a filmmaker, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to reach an audience and to tell stories,” said Spurlock of the endeavor. “When the opportunity to create an original doc series with Hulu presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Hulu has become such an important outlet for content creators and a real destination for fans. They’re not afraid to take risks and they’ve been an amazing distribution partner on all our films.”

In a statement issued by Hulu, the online portal said the new series “launches a new Hulu initiative designed to support creatively and financially the work of independent storytellers.”

“Hulu is always investing in smart, high-quality content that will continue to attract the key consumer audiences,” said Andy Forssell, senior VP of content acquisition and distribution for Hulu. “We are being extremely deliberate and precise in targeting original content that would not find a natural home on traditional distribution outlets. A Day in the Life is a great example of the kind of content we will be providing as part of our original programming on Hulu.”

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About The Author

Daniele Alcinii is a news reporter at realscreen, the leading international publisher of non-fiction film and television industry news and content. He joins the rs team with journalism experience following a stint out west with Sun Media in Edmonton's Capital Region, and communications work in Melbourne, Australia and Toronto. You can follow him on Twitter at @danielealcinii.